Crocodylian and dinosaur trace fossil assemblages from crevasse splay/levee and floodplain lake environments: middle Cenomanian Dunvegan Formation, northeast British Columbia, Canada

Delta-plain strata of the Cenomanian Dunvegan Formation, in north-east British Columbia, represent anastomosed rivers that were flanked by vegetated crevasse splays, wetlands and shallow lakes. These rocks preserve a rich record of ankylosaur and ornithopod walking and wading tracks, as well as croc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Historical biology 2023-03, Vol.35 (3), p.403-429
Main Authors: Plint, A. Guy, Helm, Charles W., Lockley, Martin G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
alluvial
ankylosaurs
British Columbia
crocodylians
Dewatering
Dunvegan Formation
Floodplains
Floods
Fossils
Lake sediments
Lakes
Levees
Sediments
Stratigraphy
Substrates
Swimming
Trace fossils
Upper Cretaceous
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Summary:Delta-plain strata of the Cenomanian Dunvegan Formation, in north-east British Columbia, represent anastomosed rivers that were flanked by vegetated crevasse splays, wetlands and shallow lakes. These rocks preserve a rich record of ankylosaur and ornithopod walking and wading tracks, as well as crocodylian swim traces and tracks. Analysis of depositional, erosional, and trace-making events reveals alternating phases of flooding and emergence that controlled both animal activity (walking, wading, swimming) and mud substrate consistency (firm vs. soupy), and hence fidelity of track preservation. Some tracks resemble those produced by both ankylosaurs and crocodylians, and confident attribution is difficult. The absence of tail drag marks suggests an ankylosaur trackmaker, whereas prominent claw marks might favour a crocodylian origin. Unusually large crocodylian swim traces suggest animals about 9 m, and possibly up to 12 m in length. These large traces may represent a precursor to the giant crocodylian Deinosuchus. Ankylosaur tracks are well-preserved in lake and channel-margin deposits, whereas crocodylian traces are most commonly preserved in firm muddy lake sediments that had experienced previous subaerial exposure and dewatering. Close integration of trace fossils with sedimentary and stratigraphic features makes it possible to reveal a detailed chronology of biotic and sedimentary events on palaeo-surfaces.
ISSN:0891-2963
1029-2381
DOI:10.1080/08912963.2022.2043294